Just before Thanksgiving, a group of state employees in a warehouse near Salem packed 1,500 boxes with essential non-perishable food items like beans, rice, and canned fruit. These boxes are destined for Oregon Department of Human Services offices. Their goal? To provide immediate food aid and prepare for possible major emergencies.
The office, established in September 2020, was born out of the need to respond to wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes that Labor Day weekend. Since then, it has expanded its mission. They’ve provided generators, supported warming and cooling centers, and handed out emergency kits filled with food and supplies for vulnerable residents, especially the elderly.
However, challenges remain. Many Oregon families are struggling, especially due to recent changes in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). A significant one in six Oregonians rely on SNAP benefits, but in early November, many were left without support. A federal court eventually intervened, restoring those benefits after a lawsuit was filed against the government for withholding funds.
The food packing exercise aligns with the office’s focus on creating “resilience hubs.” These are community places that offer essential resources during emergencies. Earlier this year, the office awarded $10 million in grants to 87 organizations to strengthen these hubs, made possible through House Bill 3409 passed in 2023.
Ed Flick, director of the Office of Resilience and Emergency Management, emphasizes that the goal is not just to react to disasters but to empower families towards independence. “We don’t just wait around for disaster,” he said. “We work every day to strengthen resilience, and when emergencies do occur, we support them.”
This proactive approach reflects a growing trend in emergency management. A recent study found that communities well-prepared for disasters can recover faster and reduce long-term impacts. Engaging local organizations plays a crucial role in building resilience. These efforts are proving essential as we face more frequent climate-related emergencies.
For more insights into Oregon’s resilience efforts, visit the Oregon Capital Chronicle.
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emergency food aid,food aid,food insecurity,Oregon Capital Chronicle,Oregon Department of Human Services
